Monthly Archives: May 2016

(21) The mercy/justice combination is so important that Pope Francis devotes another segment to it. This time he notes that one problem with the lead-with-justice approach is that the most justice can exact from us is respect. And when justice … Continue reading →

On the heels of General Conference 2016, there are many, various, and legitimate concerns and hopes regarding the Bishops’ establishment of a commission to study human sexuality in ways that take us beyond the current impasse, while at the same … Continue reading →

The General Conference’s approval of a plan put forward by the Council of Bishops is already being variously criticized and affirmed–nothing new for us UM’s. For some time now, I have believed (and have previously written and spoken) that the … Continue reading →

(20) Pope Francis rightly notes the connection between mercy and justice. It takes both to order life as we know it. But the ordering of the two is crucial. If we lead with justice, we run the risk of never … Continue reading →

I have waited to write a blog post at the mid-point of General Conference until more was known about what came out of the first week. I find myself deeply saddened, with words in short supply. For the past several … Continue reading →

In anticipation of human-sexuality debates at the United Methodist General Conference in Portland, and in the wake of laws providing for increased exclusivity against LGBTQ people (despite other laws advocating inclusivity), I offer the following reflection…. In recent days, conservatives … Continue reading →

(19) With courageous specificity, Pope Francis calls on those who knowingly practice corruption to change their ways and be transformed by the grace of God into those who knowingly show mercy. Included in his call are those in criminal organizations … Continue reading →